Modular Extraction Tool for Riverine Plastic Waste

Design of a proof-of-principle prototype

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

J.S. van Stijn Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

Jan Carel Diehl Design for Sustainability - IDE (mentor)
J.C. Diehl Design for Sustainability - IDE (mentor)
Jan-Carel Diehl Design for Sustainability - IDE (mentor)
W. Schermer Design Aesthetics - IDE (mentor)
J van Eijk The Ocean Cleanup (mentor)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2023 Joep van Stijn
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Published Date

21-09-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

The Ocean Cleanup faces a lot of different challenges during new deployments aimed to prevent riverine waste from entering the sea and harming surrounding ecosystems. These challenges are particularly evident when addressing entire river systems rather than individual rivers. An example of a currently challenging site The Ocean Cleanup faces in their efforts to clean up Kingston Harbor is Shoemaker Gully, which is obstructed by mangrove forests preventing the Interceptor Tender to reach the waste. A smaller scale extraction tool that can be deployed in tight spaces would open up several possibilities for efficient extraction. Beyond The Ocean Cleanup, local initiatives operate in areas where commercial solutions prove inadequate, resorting to manual extraction or building their own tools due to worker health concerns. The introduction of new designs capable of benefiting both local cleanup organizations and The Ocean Cleanup can have a substantial impact on combating riverine plastic pollution.

This project aims to achieve that by introducing a new addition to the current solution portfolio. The objective of this thesis is to develop a modular extraction tool designed to efficiently remove contained waste from rivers directly to the shore. This innovation will expand The Ocean Cleanup's deployment options and empower other organizations to amplify their impact. By creating a cost-effective and adaptable proof-of-principle prototype, a foundation will be established for further development of extraction tools tailored to selected use cases.

The final design is a mobile and modular extraction tool, equipped to handle waste extraction from a diverse range of sites that is currently challenging to access. A full-scale prototype has been made to accurately assess its feasibility, with a potential deployment in Jamaica. It features well-thought-out features like adjustable and extendable legs for diverse riverbanks, a robust overall design, and an intuitive user interaction.